The small area of Spring Town had always been a peaceful place, where nothing much ever happened. But when local fisherman, Teddy Goldberg, was found dead, it sent shockwaves through the entire community. Diane Bonham was particularly affected by the tragedy. She had stumbled upon his decapitated head floating in the muddy water of the creek, days after he had been reported missing. The sight and smell were etched into her mind, haunting her every waking moment.
The once idyllic creek, where she used to play as a child, now seemed like a sinister and foreboding place. The forest that had always seemed mystical and enchanting was now an ominous reminder of the brutal crime that had been committed. Diane made a vow to never return to the creek again.
Despite her initial aversion to the place, Diane couldn't ignore the nagging feeling that hints to solving the recent murders in her town were closely connected to the creek. With her interest piqued, Diane found herself drawn deeper into the mystery, delving into the dark secrets of the town's past and risking her own safety in the process. As she dug deeper, she uncovered a web of lies, betrayal, and a killer who was still on the loose. Diane knew she had to act fast before another life was lost, but with danger lurking around every corner, she wondered if she was in over her head.
A criminal mastermind makes a bold move against a wealthy client to put himself in a position to retire in comfort. He has no idea what he's up against when a young widow, desperate to make ends meet, sets her eyes on earning the bounty set on his head.
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Newly widowed housewife Melody Scott needs to earn some major cash, fast. When her bright and busy children learn that a priceless ruby bracelet has been stolen and a six-figure reward is being offered, they convince her to try to do what the police, museum security, and the best private investigators have failed to do. Working against them is a notorious thief who has met people from around the world, but who has never once encountered a woman like Melody Scott. When the sweet innocence of the Scott family clashes against criminal forces more dangerous than they ever imagined, Melody is all too aware that a mom's got to do what a mom's got to do to protect her family.
The Widow, Melody Scott is a 2021 Watty Award Winner!
Content Warning: This story does contain depictions of stalking behavior.